JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 13 — Malaysia needs to brace itself for the Super El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to bring scorching weather between March and May next year, potentially breaking the country’s record high temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius.
Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the country’s maximum temperature could exceed 41 degrees Celsius, based on analysis of the current intense El Niño phenomenon, alongside the impacts of climate change and global warming.
“If we look at current climate change trends, the rate of temperature increase in the country is approximately 0.13 degrees Celsius per decade.
“It has been nearly 30 years since 1998, when combined with the temperature spikes associated with El Niño, the increase could exceed one degree Celsius above the 40.1-degree record set back then. We anticipate that temperatures reaching 41 degrees Celsius or higher are likely to occur. That is our projection,” he said.
He made these remarks at a press conference following the National Climate Forum 2026 at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) here today. The forum, themed “Preparedness Today, Resilience Tomorrow,” was attended by over 500 participants from various government departments and ministries.
Malaysia previously recorded its highest-ever temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius in Chuping, Perlis, on April 9, 1998, during the 1997/1998 El Niño episode, while the peak temperature during the 2015/2016 episode was 39.3 degrees Celsius, recorded in Batu Embun, Pahang, on April 10, 2016.
Mohd Hisham said the current El Niño is projected to record an index exceeding 2.5, surpassing the peak level of 2.3 recorded during the 1997/1998 and 2015/2016 episodes.
He noted that during strong El Niño events, daily maximum temperatures can rise by up to 0.7 degrees Celsius above normal, while temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius are expected to occur more widely and for longer periods.
Mohd Hisham added that the previously recorded scenario of up to 77 consecutive days without rain could recur particularly in the northern states of the Peninsula due to this El Niño phenomenon.
“Previous records show that this condition can begin at the end of the year, with a lack of rainfall starting in December and continuing through January and February, before rain returns around March,” he said.
In this regard, he emphasised that the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon currently forecast to begin in late October is crucial for ensuring dams receive sufficient rainfall and water storage levels are boosted before the country faces drier weather next year.
“We must ensure all our dams are full before next year begins. In terms of water sources, the Northeast Monsoon brings significant rainfall, and we hope this rain will fill all the dams,” he said.
He said this measure aligns with the directive from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to make early preparations regarding water supply and storage in anticipation of the hot and dry spell next year.
Mohd Hisham also expressed concern regarding the anticipated rise in electricity consumption during next year’s hot weather, particularly due to the expected increase in air conditioner usage.
“Energy consumption will be high during the hot months next year. Therefore, regarding the energy grid, we must ensure there is sufficient capacity. A lack of preparedness could lead to disruptions and compromise the grid,” he said.
He said MetMalaysia has informed relevant agencies of this forecast, and the matter will be raised at the Disaster Management Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim next week.
At the same time, he noted that MetMalaysia is collaborating with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to develop a Heat Index. This will establish threshold values used to warn the public about health risks associated with hot weather.
He explained that the current hot weather monitoring system classifies temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius and above as Level 1, 37 degrees Celsius and above as Level 2, and 40 degrees Celsius and above as Level 3. — Bernama
